Oman: More corruption convictions

Muscat’s criminal court has sentenced 23 people, including former government officials, to between one and three years for their part in a scandal involving the misappropriation of land in Duqm. According to Omani press reports, on 16 February, a former undersecretary at the housing ministry and the former secretary-general at the Supreme Committee for Town Planning were each given three-year terms for abuse of office. Omani newspapers said those also accused included the governor of Duqm and his assistant and various others employed by the government. All of those convicted were fined OR100 ($260), and offered OR1,000 bail, and all are expected to appeal.